Angela Gothard

Background: Gothard was born in England, but immigrated to Canada in 1964. She moved to the United States with her husband in 1974 where she lived in San Jose and worked for a semiconductor business in Silicon Valley. She was also a volunteer at the ATP and WTA tournaments in the Bay Area. She retired in 1998 and has lived in Oceanside since 2001.

Volunteer title: Gothard serves as Night Reception Coordinator at the Acura Classic. She is in charge of the staff at Will Call and serves as a liaison between the tournament and fans coming to pick up tickets. She also assists visitors coming to the tournament office during the event. “I enjoy working with the staff of the Acura Classic. Everyone is so nice and they are very special,” she said.

Numbers of years as tournament volunteer: She has been a tournament volunteer since 2001.

Favorite Acura Classic memory: Gothard met tennis legend Rod Laver in 2001 when he came to pick up tickets at Will Call. "He made such an impression on me," she said. "I got to meet him and shake his hand. That was special."

Favorite tournament match: Gothard admits she doesn’t get to watch much tennis during the tournament, but she did watch the 2004 semifinal between Anastasia Myskina and Vera Zvonareva on television in the tournament office. The match, considered among the best in Acura Classic history, was won by Myskina, 6-2, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (15).

Favorite tennis player: Russia’s Elena Dementieva. “I really like her. She is a fantastic player. She’s my favorite,” Gothard said. “She doesn’t give up. She’s a fighter. All she needs is that one big win.”

Favorite place to play tennis: Her favorite place to play tennis is the Oceanside Women's Club. She played tennis four times a week until she suffered a pulled calf muscle. She hopes to start playing again in early 2006.

Favorite book: Gothard enjoys reading historical novels such as “The Sunne in Splendor” by Sharon Kay Penman.

Favorite place to visit: Her favorite place to visit is Spain. She enjoyed visiting the works of Antoni Gaudi, a modernist style architect.

Favorite hobby: She enjoys many hobbies. Her favorite hobby is beading bracelets and necklaces for herself and to give as gifts.

Favorite movie: The Lord of the Rings movie series - The Fellowship of the Ring; The Two Towers and The Return of the King.

Favorite musical artists: Abba. “I love the beat of their music. They’re great singers. I like the variety,” she said.

Personal note: Gothard enjoys doing charity work. She is co-president of the Brother Benno Auxiliary. Her work benefits women’s shelters in Oceanside and Carlsbad. In October, she co-chaired “Brother Benno’s Unconditional Love: Always in Fashion,” a benefit fashion show at Camp Pendleton. She served as the show’s narrator.